Nearly 40 Casper College students will be without on-campus housing this fall when they start classes.

The college's three residence halls and three apartment complexes are full, leaving 37 students - 30 are males - waiting for an opening. Barb Meryhew, the college's housing and student activities director, is searching for rental properties around Casper suitable for students.

"We're not going to be endorsing any one place or another," Meryhew said. "We've done as much as we can. That's why they are on the waiting list."

Meryhew said anyone with information about possible rentals should fax the information to (307) 268-2203 or go directly to the Strausner Student Center information desk.

Living on campus is a popular choice for many students, who say dorms are more affordable and connect them to campus happenings.

According to a 2004 report from the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 2.6 million students would live in residence halls if every higher education institute offering housing filled its dorms to capacity. Census figures from 2000 said 2.06 million students opt to live in residence halls.

Casper College had a waiting list for its dorms last year, though the numbers weren't quite as high, Meryhew said. The waiting list was 16 students long, and the list didn't move until first semester ended.

"Second semester, things opened up and we were fine," Meryhew said.

Between its dorms and apartments, the college houses more than 436 students. Eighteen of the apartment units are available for families, while 20 are for singles or couples.

The college currently is working on financing several capital construction projects, including new residence halls.

Costs for the new dorms would be covered by revenue bonds, part of which would be paid by student room and board fees. Gifts and donations are expected to cover the remainder of the costs.

Reach education reporter Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com.